Recent diplomatic events have raised concerns about the relationship between India and the Maldives, as well as their historical and present ties. The Maldives has been in a state of diplomatic turmoil with controversies over military positioning, annulment of important agreements and undiplomatic remarks from both sides. This state of affairs has further been muddled with new alliances formed with China.
Historical Ties and the Importance of India-Maldives Relations
A study of the history of India-Maldives relations dates back to 1965 when the Maldives gained independence from the British. Since 2008, India has put significant effort into establishing strong ties with different sectors within the Maldives, including political, military, business, and civil society.
The strategic location of the Maldives in close proximity to India gives it significant geopolitical importance. It serves as a gateway to the Arabian Sea and facilitates India’s regional maritime surveillance and security enhancement. Moreover, a long-standing cultural and historical connection exists between the two nations traced back to the 12th century where Vajrayana Buddhism had a significant influence in the Maldives. A stable and prosperous Maldives aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, consequently benefiting regional peace and stability.
India’s Role in the Maldivian Economy and Security
India plays a crucial role in the Maldivian economy and wellbeing, supplying everyday essentials like rice, spices, vegetables, and medicines. India also aids in building Maldivian infrastructure by providing construction materials. Educationally, India accommodates Maldivian students for higher education through scholarships and study opportunities. Whenever the Maldives faces crises such as tsunamis or drinking water shortages, India consistently offers aid and resources.
In terms of security, India has assisted the Maldives in times of political unrest, as seen in the intervention during a coup attempt in 1988 via Operation Cactus. India continuously performs joint naval exercises with the Maldives to ensure its protection.
India’s Presence in Maldivian Tourism
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian tourists have become the primary source of tourism for the Maldives. Statistics from 2023 show that they accounted for an impressive 11.2% of total tourist arrivals, with over 18.42 lakh visitors.
Current Challenges Faced in the India-Maldives Relationship
Recent years have seen the rise of an “India Out” campaign within Maldivian politics, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and branding Indian influence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty. The current Maldivian President has set a deadline of 15th March 2024 for the removal of Indian troops.
Issues have also been observed in the tourism sector because of a diplomatic dispute caused by disparaging comments directed at the Indian Prime Minister during his promotional visit to the Lakshadweep islands. Furthermore, Chinese influence in the Maldives is on the rise, potentially sparking a regional geopolitical contest.
Implications of Recent China-Maldives Deals
The Maldives and China recently declared an upgrade to their countries’ ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. This involves collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering connectivity and infrastructure development. Alongside this, there’s a pledge to strengthen tourism cooperation, disaster risk reduction efforts, advancement of the blue economy, and investments in the digital economy. A concerning aspect is China’s undisclosed amount of extended grant assistance to the Maldives, which may lead to increased dependence of the Maldives on China.
Tackling the Current Situation
By suspending certain ministers, the Maldives government has shown quick action to manage the crisis. It’s crucial for both countries to engage in consistent diplomatic dialogue to rebuild trust and resolve issues. Emphasizing the long-standing ties between them, cooperating over shared concerns, and addressing grievances can pave the way for future resolution. No conclusion is offered in this article as it provides the facts and allows the reader to form their own opinion.
